Spyshots: Volkswagen Golf R20

The R32 was mostly known as the powerful Golf for many years, featuring a 3.2-liter V6 powerplant that released no less than 250 horsepower. But times are different now, especially when thinking at the economic chaos that brought both General Motors and Chrysler into bankruptcy. This is probably why Volkswagen is now planning to fit a smaller displacement engine on the R32 successor, a model that is likely to be showcased in the upcoming year.

However, smaller displacement doesn't necessarily mean less power. Codenamed R20, the next "most powerful Golf" in the range is going to be powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with direction injection especially tweaked to achieve better performance. The result? A maximum output of 270 horsepower and a 0 to sixty acceleration in approximately five seconds. As for maximum speed, the Golf R20 will reach an electronically-limited speed of 250 km/h (155 mph).

As you can see in the adjacent photos, the exterior will borrow some styling cues from the current GTI but will also add a more aggressive front and rear ends plus a center-mounted dual exhaust. The car wears a lot of camo at the front, which makes us believe it will sport new headlights, a redesigned grille as well as a reshaped front bumper contributing to the overall sporty stance on the road.

The R20 will be initially offered only as a three-door hatchback but a five-door variant should follow soon. European sales are likely to commence later this year, with the first public appearance probably at the Frankfurt Auto Show.